Summary
A 55-year-old engineering manager with 36 years of experience in protecting classified information was granted a security clearance despite concerns under Guideline K (Handling Protected Information). The concerns stemmed from nine inadvertent security infractions involving electronic devices, which raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 34(g) and AG ¶ 34(h).
However, several mitigating conditions were applied, specifically AG ¶ 35(a), AG ¶ 35(b), and AG ¶ 35(d). The applicant self-reported all infractions shortly after they occurred and took immediate corrective actions, such as relocating his office and removing specific electronic devices, to prevent future incidents.
Crucially, there was no evidence that any classified information was compromised as a result of these infractions. The applicant also maintained a strong reputation for reliability and trustworthiness throughout his career. These factors collectively led to the decision to grant his security clearance.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- Applicant self-reported all security infractions shortly after they occurred.
- He took corrective actions to prevent future infractions, including moving his office and eliminating certain electronic devices.
- There was no evidence of compromise of classified information as a result of the infractions.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 34(g)raisedFailure to Comply with Rules for the Protection of Classified or Other Sensitive Information
- AG ¶ 34(h)raisedNegligence or Lax Security Practices That Persist Despite Counseling by Management
- AG ¶ 35(a)appliedSo Much Time Has Elapsed Since the Behavior, or It Happened so Infrequently or Under Such Unusual Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur or Does Not Cast Doubt on the Individual's Current Reliability, Trustworthiness, or Good Judgment
- AG ¶ 35(b)appliedThe Individual Responded Favorably to Counseling or Remedial Security Training and Now Demonstrates a Positive Attitude Toward the Discharge of Security Responsibilities
- AG ¶ 35(d)appliedThe Violation Was Inadvertent, It Was Promptly Reported, There Is No Evidence of Compromise, and It Does Not Suggest a Pattern
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for access to classified information may be granted "only upon a finding that it is clearly consistent with the national interest to do so."”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedFeb 10, 2016
- Answer filedApr 22, 2016
- Hearing heldFeb 2, 2017via MS Teams
- Decision dateJun 14, 2017
Cite For
- Mitigation of Security Concerns Under Guideline K Due to Self-reporting and Corrective Actions
- Inadvertent Security Infractions Not Constituting a Pattern of Behavior
- The Importance of a Long History of Reliable Service in Security Clearance Determinations.